Now that you’re in the habit of recycling and reusing at home, it’s time to bring those practices to your workplace. If your office trash can is always stuffed with paper and empty takeout containers, there’s a lot you can do to make things greener there. Here are some tips for cutting down on waste and creating a greener office from environmentalist Summer Rayne Oakes.
Make sure everyone knows the rules of recycling - Brush up on the rules of recycling in your area and make a little sign to hang near the recycling bin to clarify what can be thrown in. It gets really confusing in the office with different types of envelopes and such, so the sign can clear it up for everyone.
Get a desk plant that clears the air - Some plants are great at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and other VOCs from the air, so they’re perfect for offices. Here are some that would be great for your desk:
- Snake plant
- Dracaena
- Peace lily
- Spider plant
Bring your own lunch or set up a meal-share lunch program - Cut down on takeout containers by bringing your lunch from home in reusable containers. And if you know your coworkers well, start a lunch club where someone different cooks for the group every day, so you get a healthy meal without all the waste.
Make sustainable switches - In your office kitchen try reusable rags instead of paper towels and reusable plates and silverware instead of throw-away versions.
Consider composting food scraps - There are systems like Bokashithat make composting easy in a city, where you can’t always take the compost out to the backyard. Plus, one of your coworkers might love to use that compost in their garden.
Source: Mind Body Green